Helicopter Tours

From Franz Josef: Expert Guided Heli-Hike in Franz Josef Glacier

Expert guide leading a Heli-Hike tour on the icy terrain of Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown

Helicopter landing on Franz Josef Glacier for expert-guided heli-hike in New Zealand.

Ditched the boring hikes? Good call! Soar over the Southern Alps on a chopper with a pick-up from Franz Josef and go hiking through ice caves at Franz Josef Glacier.

Highlights

Soar through the skies on a chopper above Franz Josef Glacier and get ready for a 2-hour guided hike across crevasses, offering a front-row seat to the sublime beauty of the region.
Buckle up for a spectacular 4-minute helicopter ride to the glacier, as you get close to the snowy-jagged peaks, and temperate forest as you wonder at the skill of the pilot.
Strap on your crampons and explore the region alongside your guide, squeezing through blue ice caves, and clambering down steep slopes with ease.
You’re in for a day full of adventure (and safety) with expert mountaineering guides and all specialist equipment ready to make your glacial journey one to remember!
Fun fact: The Franz Josef Glacier is the fastest-moving glacier in New Zealand. It has been recorded to move close to 4 meters each day, making the landform so unique.

Inclusions

2-hour guided glacier hike
Round-trip helicopter ride to Franz Josef Glacier
English-speaking expert mountaineering guide
Glacier boots & socks
Ice crampons
Waterproof jacket & pants

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Reviews

4.2

116 ratings

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Rohan

5/5

Nov, 2024

I booked the HeliHike in Franz Josef through Headout. Unfortunately, the hike had to be cancelled due to bad weather, but they offered an amazing 15-minute scenic helicopter ride with a snow landing instead. The views were stunning! Headout was also very prompt in refunding the partial amount for the cancelled hike, which I really appreciated. While it was disappointing the hike couldn’t happen, the experience was still fantastic, and the service through Headout was excellent. Highly recommend!

Carmen

5/5

Oct, 2024

An incredible experience. In addition to the lush nature, which I already knew from the photos, the great difference was the staff. From the day of the cancellation due to the weather, the kindness and security that the attendant provided when rescheduling for the next day. Everyone was very engaged, the reception, safety instructions, the pilot, absolutely everyone. The highlight was the professionalism of Rosa, and the other guide who was with her, who I couldn't spell her name. She cared about everyone the whole way, more than being kind and fun, she showed great experience in being a guide, she was a true leader. Without her I would never have been able to complete the trail, she literally held my hand. It was clear that Rosa really knows what she does, and loves what she does. She expresses this passion in every gesture.

Headout Guest

5/5

Sep, 2024

This was a fantastic experience. From check in to finishing the heli hike all staff were exceptional. The flight was exhilarating and the hike well led by Drew. I cannot recommend this trip enough!!

Headout Guest

5/5

Sep, 2024

What an incredible day! I did the heli hike with my 14-year-old, and it was worth every cent. Booking was easy, but remember to confirm 24 hours in advance due to weather changes. The staff provided clear instructions and all the necessary gear. The helicopter ride was thrilling, and the glacier views were breathtaking. We spent about 2 hours on the ice with a knowledgeable guide who shared interesting facts about the glacier and its history. Highly recommend bringing water, snacks, and sunglasses. This experience was unforgettable and a must-do for anyone visiting the west coast!

Headout Guest

3/5

Sep, 2024

Heli hike was cancelled due to bad weather days before so even though bright sunshine it was off which was disappointing. Instead got booked onto the twin glacier 30 min Heli ride which landed for few minutes on Fox. Enjoyable and pilot was excellent.

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Your experience

Fly over an icy wonderland

Trade the usual trails for an adventure unlike any other. Your Franz Josef Glacier journey begins at the village base with a safety briefing to prepare you for this incredible experience. Then, board your helicopter for a scenic tour above the landscape. From the air, admire the breathtaking glaciers carved by time. Spot cascading waterfalls cutting through lush valleys and snow-capped peaks reaching for the sky. This is just a glimpse of the majestic world waiting below.

Landing on a snow canvas

Next up you will alight on a section of the 12 km long Franz Josef Glacier in the Westland National Park and gear up for the real thrill with all the specialized equipment already set out for you and your icy expedition! Go on a 2-hour long hike with an expert English-speaking guide who unravels the history of this stunning glacier as you discover extraordinary ice caves, seracs, and spectacular pinnacles. Brace yourself for a ton of fun 3000 meters above the ground! This experience promises stunning pictures for your Instagram grid and lifetime bragging rights. Your safety and enjoyment are all taken care of.

Know before you go

What to bring

Clothing: Bring along your warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers), leggings or light trousers, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

What's not allowed

Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted to children under the age of 10 years, under the weight of 35kg, and under the height of 137cm.
Children are not permitted on heli-hikes before 11am from late May to early September.
Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests over the weight of 115kg.
This experience is restricted to pregnant women, people with heart problems, or other serious health conditions.
Keep your drones, iPads, or selfie sticks tucked away, they are not allowed on board for safety.
Wearing jeans is not allowed.

Additional information

Flights, landings, and routes may vary due to weather and the pilot’s discretion. Flight times are approximate and include your landing.
Your flight is subject to favorable weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather, you may reschedule your booking or request a full refund.
This tour is classed as an adventure activity and carries a degree of risk; please be aware that your safety cannot be guaranteed since all risks cannot be eliminated. A balanced and conservative approach to safety management is taken.
Agreeing to participate is your personal decision, accepting there are environmental and external elements outside human control that may cause harm.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides have been assessed to meet or exceed the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016.
Franz Josef Glacier is an unstable geological feature that presents certain hazards, including, but not limited to: avalanches, rock fall, ice fall, heavy rainfall, cold exposure, height, flooding, uneven terrain, slip trips, and sun exposure.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
Please display your mobile voucher along with a valid photo ID at the ticket redemption point.
Kindly ensure that you arrive 60 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.